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Updated on Sep 12, 2024, 08:57
In the IELTS Speaking test, the cue card section requires you to speak on a given topic for up to two minutes. You receive a card with a topic and prompts to help structure your response. This section evaluates your ability to express ideas clearly and fluently, using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.
The cue card titled "Describe a Friend Who is a Good Leader" asks you to talk about a friend who demonstrates notable leadership qualities. You should highlight their leadership traits, specific examples of their leadership in action, and the impact they have had on others. On this page, we’ll provide sample answers and tips on how to effectively address this topic, helping you prepare for your IELTS Speaking test.
Introduction (Covers: Who is this person? & How you know this person?)
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: What he does?)
Key Highlights (Covers: How this person behaves?)
Conclusion (Covers: Why do you think he is a good leader?)
Introduction (Covers: Who is this person? & How you know this person?)
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: What does she do?)
Key Highlights (Covers: How this person behaves?)
Conclusion (Covers: Why do you think she is a good leader?)
Introduction (Covers: Who is this person? & How you know this person?)
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: What he does?)
Key Highlights (Covers: How this person behaves?)
Conclusion (Covers: Why do you think he is a good leader?)
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Understanding how to structure your response for IELTS cue cards is crucial for showcasing your speaking skills effectively. Knowing how to break down your answer into clear sections helps you stay organised and ensures you cover all necessary points within the time limit. This approach can significantly enhance your performance by allowing you to present your ideas logically and coherently.
When the cue card section begins, the examiner will hand you a card with a topic and prompts. You’ll have one minute to prepare, during which you can make notes if you wish. Then, you will need to speak for up to two minutes on the topic.
To answer the cue card effectively, follow this structure:
Introduction (Covers: Who is this person? & How you know this person?)
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: What he does?)
Key Highlights (Covers: How this person behaves?)
Conclusion (Covers: Why do you think he is a good leader?)
By breaking your response into these clear sections, you can effectively communicate your ideas and make the most of the two minutes you have.
In the IELTS Speaking test, after the cue card section, you will enter Part 3, known as the Two-way Discussion. In this round, the examiner will ask you questions related to the topic you discussed in Part 2. This part allows you to expand on your thoughts and provide more detailed responses.
Expect these questions to delve deeper into the theme of leadership and its impact, requiring you to offer thoughtful insights and examples. The discussion typically lasts for 4-5 minutes and tests your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and coherently.
Answer 1: In my culture, the head of the family is traditionally considered to be the eldest male, often the father or grandfather. This role involves making key decisions and providing guidance for the family. However, modern families are increasingly recognising shared responsibilities, where both partners may contribute equally to family decisions and leadership.
Answer 2: Traditionally, the head of the family in my culture is the oldest member, usually the father. This person holds the main authority and is responsible for important family matters. Nowadays, though, roles are becoming more flexible, and leadership within families often depends on mutual respect and collaboration between both parents.
Answer 1: I don’t think men are inherently better at decision-making in a family. Good decision-making is based on individual qualities like judgement and experience rather than gender. Both men and women can make effective decisions if they communicate well and consider each other's viewpoints.
Answer 2: Men are not necessarily better at decision-making within a family. Effective decision-making depends on the individual's ability to analyse situations and involve all relevant perspectives. It’s more about collaboration and balanced input from all family members than about gender-specific skills.
Answer 1: Leadership qualities today are valued for their adaptability and inclusivity. Leaders are expected to be empathetic and collaborative, which contrasts with traditional authoritative styles. In the future, I believe these qualities will become even more important as workplaces and societies become more diverse and interconnected.
Answer 2: Currently, leadership qualities are shifting towards emotional intelligence and the ability to work well with others. Looking ahead, I think future leaders will need to focus on these traits even more, adapting to rapidly changing environments and leading through collaboration and innovation.
Answer 1: Yes, I believe there will be more women leaders in the future. As societal attitudes continue to evolve and gender equality advances, more opportunities will arise for women to take on leadership roles. This change is already happening in many sectors and is likely to increase over time.
Answer 2: I think the number of women leaders will rise in the future. With ongoing efforts towards gender equality and empowerment, more women are gaining access to leadership positions. This trend is likely to continue as more organisations recognise the value of diverse leadership teams.
Ans. To manage your time effectively during the Cue Card task, start by quickly reading the prompt and noting the key points you need to cover. Use the 1-minute preparation time to organise your thoughts and jot down a few bullet points. During your 2-minute speech, focus on addressing each point clearly and concisely, ensuring you stay on topic and use your time wisely to cover all aspects of the prompt.
Ans. Yes, you can certainly express your opinion, even if it differs from the examiner's. The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to articulate and justify your views, regardless of whether they align with the examiner's perspective. It’s important to present your opinions clearly, support them with relevant examples, and explain your reasoning. This demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively and think critically.
Ans. To excel in the Cue Card task, first, thoroughly understand the prompt and plan your response. Structure your answer with a clear introduction, detailed description, and a strong conclusion. Practise speaking about a variety of topics to build confidence and fluency. Use specific examples and maintain a conversational tone. Finally, manage your time well during the preparation and speaking phases to cover all required points effectively.
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